First Thales IFF interrogator certified in the United States

After a certification process lasting several months, the TSA 3522 interrogator from Thales has been certified by AIMS. The TSA 3522 is a new-generation IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) interrogator from Thales's BlueGate family of products. For Thales customers, AIMS certification is an assurance of full interoperability with US systems both at box level and for integration on US and other platforms.

Thales develops and manufactures IFF products for aircraft, air defence systems and radars, surface vessels and submarines. The TSA 3522 is generally associated with a radar and provides optimal security, reliability and integrity in both civil air traffic control with Mode S capability and military Mode 5 IFF identification. The interrogator is also qualified to use both European and US sourced cryptographic computers.

AIMS certification is an official endorsement of the outstanding performance of this product and will positively influence the certification process for the entire Thales product family.

"Thales is very proud to have achieved certification by this independent body. The certification process was completed in record time and offers firm assurances to customers that our products will be fully interoperable on all types of civil and military missions," said Hervé Derrey, VP for Thales's Radio Communications Products business. "Certification of the TSA 3522, and the excellent relationship we have built with the AIMS Program Office, are very positive signs for the success of further certifications of the BlueGate product line, which Thales has already scheduled."

The TSA 3522 will be deployed in June during Bold Quest 2013, a NATO exercise in the United States that will provide an opportunity to verify the interoperability of this IFF interrogator with large numbers of US and other platforms under operational conditions.